There's a lot of controversy about the different modern translations. I have heard some "Men-Of-God" go so far as to say they (the modern translations) are from hell.

I have heard of some radical new versions that are so far out in left field you simply can't take them seriously.

However the legitimate, sincere versions are extremely helpful to many of us. I always keep a Red Letter King James Version side by side for insurance. Perhaps most folks don't need to be exact but if I'm going to read the scripture I want it to be accurate.

Had it not been for the first modern english version I would not have come to know the Lord at that time. I was given a version of GOOD NEWS FOR MODERN MAN which contained only the New Testament. It helped me come to know Jesus as my Friend and Savior.

I recommend a legitimate, modern translation for fast reading comprehension and enlightenment. When you study I would put the KJV side by side and use them both. The modern translations give you a pretty good idea but if you want to be exact I believe you should rely on the KJV. I find many scriptures that the modern translation simply will not provide what I need to know. For example... In the last days Israel will be attacked by many nations, God tells how many of the invaders He will kill. I can find this number in the KJV but nearly all of the modern translations avoid this number. The scripture to which I refer is Ezekiel 39.2 - read it for yourself.

KJV: And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel

In other words he will destroy 5/6 of them... or about 85%. You won't find this number or anything like it in most (if not all) of the modern translations.

Let's examine some scripture from Chapter 5 of The Gospel of Luke comparing the New Living Translation to the King James Version.

New Living Translation - Luke 5.29...
²⁹Soon Levi held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. Many of Levi's fellow tax collectors and other guests were there. ³⁰But the Pharisees and their teachers of religious law complained bitterly to Jesus' disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with such scum?" ³¹Jesus answered them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor--sick people do. ³²I have come to call sinners to turn from their sins, not to spend my time with those who think they are already good enough."

In this last statement one would be led to believe that there are those who "THINK" they are already good enough - implying that they were NOT good enough but "thought" they were. Here "they" elevate the meaning of what Jesus said - see the example below from the KJV.

Same scripture in the KJV...
29 And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. 30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? 31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. 32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

In this same statement Jesus states that "They are whole and do not need a physician. They don't only "THINK" they are whole but indeed they are not sick.

Comparing the two you can see that there is a different implication.

Another example: King James Version, 1st Peter, Chapter one... 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Compare that to the "Living Bible" the modern transalation, same verse: 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

The often misused term "born again" is one of the most misunderstood terms in the bible. This modern translation helps it become widespread and accepted. To better understand the true meaning of "born again" see the next sentence (below). Be careful when you use the modern translations.

Reference link: www.john33.cpm/bornagain.htm - Check out this page for my explanation of the difference between "born-again" and "begotten."

There are MANY flaws in the modern translations. I believe the modern translations are a great help but should be used with caution for exact understanding.

While the word of God never changes - man's progression (or) regression does change and fast reading from a language that is of another country and language (Old English) may slow understanding and reading comprehension.

The answer? Use them both and pray for Divine Wisdom.

Hope this helps.

Your Friend,

John

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